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October 2021 Events and Activities in the Reno Region

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Christmas Events & Activities
	Things to do during the Christmas holiday season.

Snow Play Areas
	Places for family fun in the snow around the Reno area.

Tahoe Area Ski Resorts
	Hit the slopes at one of the best winter sports areas in North America.

October is Disability Awareness Month. Learn more from "City of Reno Inclusion and Adaptive Programs." It is also the continuation of Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15, 2021).

Big events during October, 2021 include...

• Halloween
• Fall Break Camps
• Fall Fish Festival
• Great Italian Festival
• Wolf Pack Football
• Nevada Day

Offbeat Music Festival - September 30 - October 2, 2021. It's a citywide, multi-venue festival that's all about discovering the amazing things being created right here in Reno – music, food, art and more. Discover new music from a choice of 60+ performances over 3 days at different locations around the core of Reno. Tickets are available online.

UNR Ski Swap - Friday through Sunday, October 1 - 3, 2021. The UNR Ski Swap features a huge selection of new and used equipment. Everything from boards to boots, skis to snow shoes, clothing, helmets, gloves and more. Save up to 70% on hundreds of new/used items and get out fitted for the season. Admission is free. Friday - 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Event is at the North entrance of the Reno Sparks Convention Center, across from the Atlantis Casino. Hall 1A, follow the signs. Parking is $10 but you can be reimbursed with a $20 minimum purchase.

Art at the Ark - Saturday, October 2, 2021, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This shopping experience hosts local artists and vendors stationed throughout Animal Ark, allowing guests to shop local and unique artwork and more while visiting our collection of animals. With talented artisans, special keeper talks and more. $14 adults, $12 seniors, and $9 for children. Animal Ark is at 1265 Deerlodge Road, off of Red Rock Road in the Stead area of Reno. (775) 970-3111.

Wolf Pack Football - Saturday, October 2, 2021, kickoff 12:30 p.m. The Pack takes on the Boise State Broncos in an away game at Boise, ID. Go Pack!

32nd Annual World Championship Outhouse Races in Virginia City - Saturday and Sunday, October 2 - 3, 2021. The Races pit teams of costumed outhouse racers against each other. One person rides and the remaining team members push, pull or drag the decorated outhouses down the racetrack, which is C Street in Virginia City. This event is free to the public and is quite the spectacle. Races begin each day at noon. To participate, get a 3 person team together and register online.

The Harmony Games - Free Family Concert - Sunday, October 3, 2021. Join the Reno Phil for a free family concert that tells the story of four quarreling families, who ultimately come together through the power of music. It is interactive, inspirational, and fun for all. Kid friendly activities begin at 10 a.m., concert at 11 a.m. Seating is first come, first served. Approximate runtime is 45 minutes. At Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheatre in Bartley Ranch Regional Park, 6000 Bartley Ranch Road in Reno.

Fall Break at Washoe County Schools - Monday through Friday, October 4 - 8, 2021. Fall break activities for children and families around Reno and Sparks include camps and other things to do from several area organizations.

Wolf Pack Football - Saturday, October 9, 2021, kickoff 7:30 p.m. The Pack returns to Mackay Stadium for a home game against the New Mexico State Aggies. Go Pack!

Reno Electric Vehicle Showcase - Saturday, October 9, 2021, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Attendees can view the latest electric vehicle (EV) models on the market. This free event features a variety of EVs to experience including Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, models from Audi Reno Tahoe, and Volkswagen of Reno. There will also be electric bikes, family-friendly activities, snacks and beverages, and the first 80 attendees will receive a free lunch from a local food truck. At Reno High School, 395 Booth St. in Reno.

Raise the Roof to Ease Poverty - Saturday, October 9, 2021, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada's innovative virtual event (in place of the annual Plates to Ease Poverty dinner) fundraiser which raises money to support ongoing services. KBUL on-air personality and Catholic Charities supporter, JJ Christy will perch atop our building braving the elements until we raise $150,000 to help fund our poverty assistance programs. We will be hosting an outdoor BBQ in conjunction with JJ's stay on our roof and will be offering tours of our programs. Visit the website for details on tickets and how to support the effort.

Fall Fish Festival - Canceled for 2021 due to low water in Taylor Creek.

Annual Great Italian Festival - Saturday and Sunday, October 9 - 10, 2021. t's free to attend the Great Italian Festival, when downtown Reno becomes Little Italy. This is a fun, family-friendly festival, with street performers, free music from two stages, plenty of good food and drink, and lots more. Hours on Saturday are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wild and Scenic Film Festival on Tour - Saturday, October 9, 2021. Gates open at 5 p.m., films start at 7 p.m. The festivities will be both in person and online. There will be raffle prizes, food and beverage, silent auction, partner expo and more. The program is full of thought-provoking, funny, entertaining, and informative films centered around the environment, wildlife, and the human spirit. The in person location is Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheater at Bartley Ranch Regional Park in Reno. Brought to you by Friends of Black Rock High Rock. Tickets are available online.

Hands ON! Second Saturdays - Saturday, October 9, 2021. Come to the Nevada Museum of Art for a day of fun family activities and free admission for all, sponsored by the Estelle J. Kelsey Foundation. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Extend your experience with Hands ON! at Home.

Science Saturdays at the National Automobile Museum - Saturday, October 9, 2021. Join in on an adventure that is out of this world. Tickets are sold per family group starting at $36. Admission is limited to 8 groups. For participants age 8 and up. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. The event is from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pre-registration is required approximately two days before the event. Call the Museum at (775) 333-9300 for more information.

Water Lantern Festival - Saturday, October 9, 2021, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Water Lantern Festival is filled with fun, happiness, hope, and great memories that you'll cherish for a lifetime. This is a family friendly event that can be shared by everyone. Tickets are available online and start at $25.99 for adults and $11.99 for kids ages 8 to 14. The festival is at Sparks Marina Park, 300 Howard Dr. in Sparks.

Pioneer Center Youth Programs presents Bruka’s Theatre for Children "Galileo - Stars in His Eyes" - Saturday, October 9, 2021, 11 a.m. to 12 noon. Brüka Theatre presents an original theatre for children production. An enchanting play, written with children in mind, about the famous scientist, Galileo, his incredible discoveries, and challenges as experienced through his young daughter Virginia. Free at the South Valleys Library, 15650 Wedge Pkwy. in south Reno. The show will repeat on Tuesday, October 19, 2021, at the Downtown Reno Library from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Fall Bulb Festival at the May Arboretum - Saturday and Sunday, October 9 - 10, 2021, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Join us in Saint Patrick's Grove and enjoy the change of seasons, while getting a jump-start on your spring blooming gardens. Choose from daffodils, tulips, crocus, hyacinth, onion, garlic, peony, amaryllis and more. Local artisans will be on-site offering their crafts and other products. The May Arboretum is in Rancho San Rafael Regional Park in Reno.

Suffrage, Women's Rights, and Historic Preservation in Nevada - Tuesday, October 12, 2021, 5:30 p.m. In 2020, the Nevada State Historic Preservation Office received a federal grant through the National Park Service to create a Historic Context for Women's History in Nevada, with the goal of identifying places and properties associated with women's history and the suffrage movement in our state. This is a virtual presentation via Zoom by the Historic Reno Preservation Society (HRPS). Presented by Alicia Barber and ZoAnn Campana.

Wolf Pack Football - Saturday, October 16, 2021, kickoff 7:30 p.m. The Pack plays the University of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors in a home game at Mackay Stadium. Go Pack!

Reno Wine Walk - Saturday, October 16, 2021, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Riverwalk Merchants present this fun event every third Saturday of the month. Visit any of the participating merchants with $30 and receive your wine glass and hand stamp (with photo ID), then make the rounds sampling wines at numerous businesses in the area. This is a 21+ event. Pets and strollers are not advised. For more information, call 775-825-WALK(9255).

October Junior Naturalist Program - Saturday, October 16, 2021, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This month, we'll be learning about historical science at Bartley Ranch Regional Park with an in-person event. Join us for a knee-slapping good time exploring the park and participating in fun activities. Cowfolk costumes are encouraged. The program is free, but you need to register online.

Flu & COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic at The Discovery - Wednesday, October 20, 2021, 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines will be available at low or no-cost for children and adults who qualify. Vaccines will be administered by Washoe County Health District and/or Walmart on a first come, first served basis, while supplies last. Appointment strongly suggested. Limited walk-ins available. If you have insurance, including Nevada Checkup or Medicare, please bring your insurance card. If you do not have insurance, the cost of vaccinations will be covered by Immunize Nevada. Masks must be worn at all times. The Discovery Museum is at 490 S. Center Street in Reno.

2021 Great Nevada ShakeOut - Thursday, October 21, 2021. Nevada lies within one of the most seismically active regions in the United States. Along with California and Alaska, Nevada ranks in the top three states subject to the most large-scale earthquakes during the last 150 years. The Great Nevada ShakeOut is a simple, coordinated "drop, cover and hold on" exercise. Last year, more than 590,000 Nevadans participated. To register as an individual, business, school or government agency or organization, go to the official website. All Nevada residents are encouraged to register and participate.

3rd Thursday in Downtown Sparks - Thursday, October 21, 2021, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Sparks Museum and Cultural Center, 39 North Downtown, and Sierra Arts Foundation, along with the City of Sparks, have created a downtown experience with art surrounding the Sparks Arts Walk: music, poetry reading, performances, art tours with food and kids activities. Every month, we invite you to come downtown to enjoy the museum, train and historical schoolhouse. Every month brings new items to explore.

Sparks Art Walk - Thursday, October 21, 2021. Take a walk on the ART side. These monthly guided tours occur during the 3rd Thursdays Event on Victorian Square in Sparks. Learn all about the Sparks Art Walk sculptures and mural, along with information about other interesting landmarks in our downtown. Tours leave from Lillard Park, next to the Depot Gallery at 5:30, 6:00 and 6:30 p.m. and last about 30 minutes.

Wolf Pack Football - Saturday, October 23, 2021, kickoff TBA. The Pack plays the Fresno State Bulldogs at Fresno, CA. Go Pack!

Harvest Festival at Animal Ark - Saturday and Sunday, October 23 - 24, 2021. As part of our behavioral enrichment program, some of the animals will receive pumpkins filled with their favorite treats. Watch the enjoyment experienced by our predators when presented with these unique and delicious treats. Throughout each session, pumpkins will be delivered to different animals. Be sure to bring the camera for animal viewing at its finest. Adults $20; Seniors $19; Children $16. There will be a morning and afternoon session each day. Reservations required. Animal Ark is at 1265 Deerlodge Road, off of Red Rock Road in the Stead area of Reno. (775) 970-3111.

Reno Zombie Crawl - Saturday, October 23, 2021. The Reno Zombie Crawl is one of the top 10 costumed Halloween parties in the nation, attracting around 20,000 undead to prowl the of downtown Reno. Enjoy thousands of dollars worth of costume contest prizes and drink specials at over 55 bars, clubs, restaurants and taverns. It's only $10 to join in. You can buy cups online or at the start bar on the night the zombies stalk the streets.

Legion Sports Festival - Friday through Sunday, October 22 - 24, 2021. The largest consumer fitness expo on the West Coast is coming to Reno. Athletes will be competing in bodybuilding, functional fitness, weightlifting, armored compat, muay Thai, arm wrestling and other sports. Tickets available online. At the Reno-Sparks Convention Center on S. Virginia Street.

Lake Tahoe Marathon - October 29 - 31, 2021. Welcome to 3 days of running and fun that includes much more than just a marathon. There is something for your whole family, club or group of friends at one of the most beautiful vacation destinations in the world. Competitors range from toddlers to octogenarians, and the venues are breathtakingly beautiful. Visit the website for all the details and online registration.

Wolf Pack Football - Friday, October 29, 2021, kickoff 7 p.m. The Pack plays the UNLV Rebels in the Battle for the Fremont Cannon in a home game at Mackay Stadium. Go Pack!

Nevada Day Celebration in Carson City - Saturday, October 30, 2021. Nevada Day Parade down Main Street is back this year, along with numerous other events and activities to celebrate Nevada statehood. Come enjoy the single jack rock drilling contest, Nevada Day chili feed, hot air balloon launch, beard contest and lots more.

Halloween - Sunday, October 31, 2021. Haunted houses, trick-or-treating, pumpkin patches, and much more. The Reno area does Halloween in a big way and there are plenty of activities for everyone in the family, including a few for adults only.

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